M.A.D Syndrome

-by guest blogger, author Isabella Redwood

M.A.D – Marketing. Argh. Dread.

When I began my self-publishing journey, marketing was one aspect that I gave little thought to. I was too busy preparing my novel, getting cover design sorted and having it edited. Once that was complete, I concentrated on formatting and proofreading until my eyes turned red. Marketing was the furthest thing from my mind and now I am paying for it.

After setting my book up on Amazon with KDP Select, my numbers were steady and the only marketing I had to do, if you can even call it that, was during promotional times. Amazon was sending me emails trying to sell me my book, and I assumed they were doing the same to others. I was doing better than I had hoped for from a sales point of view.

The problem started when I left KDP after my 90-day period had finished. I had been amazon exclusive and now what was I going to do?

I had no plan and no ideas.

Fools Rush In

On New Year’s 2014, I made the resolution to publish my first novel before the end of the year. When I made that vow my plan was to self-publish quick and dirty, but then in June, I miraculously had a publisher contact me with interest in Mr. 8. I spent two weeks asking questions, researching them online, rereading the contract, having heart-to-hearts with a published friend of mine, and then I made the decision to sign.

My publisher, Booktrope, operated on a new model, where project teams collaborated and earned a share of the profits rather than any upfront payments. As the author, I was the head of my team and got to choose when my book would be launched. I decided on the week before Christmas. The novel takes place at that time of year, sales are high with holiday shopping, and I’d fulfill my resolution. It all made sense.

What could possibly go wrong?